Ukhimath Uttarakhand: Discover Home of the Omkareshwar Temple

Ukhimath is one of the most spiritually important towns in Uttarakhand, especially for devotees of Lord Shiva. Known as the winter seat of Kedarnath and Madmaheshwar, Ukhimath plays a crucial role in the Char Dham and Panch Kedar traditions.

When heavy snowfall makes Kedarnath, Madmaheshwar, and Rudranath inaccessible in winter, the Utsav (ceremonial) idols of these temples are shifted to Ukhimath and nearby Gopeshwar so that daily worship continues uninterrupted.

Ukhimath – The Winter Seat of Lord Kedarnath

• Ukhimath altitude: ~1,311 meters above sea level

• Calm climate and easy road access make it ideal for winter pilgrimage

• Priests from Kedarnath and Madmaheshwar continue daily rituals here

Besides pilgrims, Ukhimath is also a base for trekking destinations like Tungnath, Deoria Tal, and Chopta.

.Suggested Read – Panch Badri – A soulful Journey To 5 Holy Temple of Lord Vishnu 

Places to Visit Near Ukhimath

Sari Village

A beautiful mountain village and the base point for Deoria Tal, located around 12 km from Ukhimath.

Omkar Ratneshwar Mahadev

Also known as Devariya Nag Temple, this sacred spot lies on the route to Deoria Tal and is dedicated to Nag Devta.

Guptkashi

Located about 13 km from Ukhimath, Guptkashi offers panoramic Himalayan views and important temples like Kashi Vishwanath and Ardhanarishwar.

Gopeshwar – Winter Seat of Rudranath

The Utsav idol of Rudranath Temple is shifted to Gopeshwar, home to the famous Gopinath Mandir.

Legends of Ukhimath

According to mythology, Ukhimath is associated with the marriage of Aniruddha (grandson of Lord Krishna) and Usha. Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Usha, Aniruddha, and King Mandhata can still be found here.

Suggested Read –Timbersain Mahadeva Temple – A Cave Temple of Frozen Lingam

How to Reach Ukhimath Uttarakhand

• By Road: Well connected via Rudraprayag

• Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

• Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh

🚌 Rishikesh to Ukhimath Bus Timings

• Early morning buses start between 5:00 AM – 6:00 AM

• Total travel time: 9–10 hours

• Route: Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Ukhimath

(Shared jeeps and taxis are also easily available from Rudraprayag and Guptkashi.)

Suggested Read –Shitkalin Char Dham Yatra in the Winter Season

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ Ukhimath Weather

Ukhimath enjoys pleasant summers (15–25°C) and cold winters, but roads usually remain open even during snowfall.

❓ Ukhimath Is Famous For

Ukhimath is famous for Omkareshwar Temple and being the winter seat of Kedarnath and Madmaheshwar.

❓ Ukhimath Altitude

Ukhimath is located at an altitude of 1,311 meters.

❓ Ukhimath to Kedarnath Distance

• Ukhimath to Gaurikund: ~41 km

• Gaurikund to Kedarnath (trek): 16 km

❓ Ukhimath to Tungnath Distance

Approx. 29 km by road to Chopta + 3.5 km trek to Tungnath.

❓ Rishikesh to Ukhimath Bus

Daily buses and shared taxis are available from Rishikesh ISBT.

❓ Ukhimath to Badrinath Distance

Approx. 125 km by road.

❓ Hotels in Ukhimath Uttarakhand

Budget guesthouses, dharamshalas, and small hotels are available near Omkareshwar Temple.

❓ Ukhimath to Gaurikund Distance

Approx. 41 km by road.

❓ Ukhimath to Chopta Taxi Fare

Taxi fare usually ranges between ₹1,500 – ₹2,500, depending on season.

❓ Ukhimath to Ransi (Madmaheshwar Route)

Ransi village is about 20 km from Ukhimath, accessible by jeep.

Conclusion

Ukhimath Uttarakhand is not just a town—it is a living center of Himalayan spirituality. As the winter abode of Kedarnath and Madmaheshwar, and a gateway to some of Uttarakhand’s most scenic treks, Ukhimath offers a rare blend of devotion, legends, and mountain beauty.

If you are planning a Char Dham Yatra, Panch Kedar pilgrimage, or winter spiritual retreat, Ukhimath.

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